Money from Ikea could help Sheffield factory

Owners of the former Betafence factory site which could be home to a new Ikea store in Sheffield are supporting the £70 million development.

In a letter, Betafence company director Peter Ramaut said: “Money raised by this sale, which is subject to Ikea being granted planning permission, will give extra headroom to our business in Sheffield.”

Mr Ramaut said improvements funded by proceeds of the sale would help keep the company competitive and support jobs at its Shepcote Lane factory, which employs 220 people.

Sheffield Hallam MP and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who is also in favour of Ikea, said: “We already know that a new Ikea store would create up to 700 extra local jobs.

“However, now that it has been revealed the move would also safeguard 220 jobs at an iconic Sheffield manufacturer, Labour politicians should find it even more difficult to block development.”

Sheffield Council’s Labour leadership is divided about whether the scheme should go ahead.

n Comment on the plans at www.sheffield.gov.uk and by searching application 13/01682/FUL.